New footage captures a tense rescue on Washington’s Cowlitz River, where a man was pulled to safety after clinging to a tree amid a massive logjam. The incident occurred on February 2, 2026, during high water flows that made the river extremely hazardous. After being evaluated by emergency responders, the man was released unharmed.

Initial responders from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the wrong location, delaying first contact. However, a drone from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife quickly located the victim, allowing Castle Rock Police and Cowlitz Fire personnel to arrive and safely extract him within minutes.

The dramatic helicopter-assisted rescue highlights both the risks posed by fast-moving rivers and logjams and the growing role of drones in emergency response. Video footage shows the man holding onto a tree as rescuers maneuvered through turbulent waters to secure him, demonstrating precision coordination under high-pressure conditions.

Authorities praised the quick actions of all agencies involved, noting that accurate location identification and timely aerial support were critical in preventing serious injury. The successful operation underscores the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration and advanced technology in life-saving rescues.